As the galaxy of hip-hop stars shrinks, the industry realigns, creating a dynamic New Underground of fresh MCs and producers, plus a crew of wizened veterans who are filling the Internet-era vacuum of power. The various scenes are almost impossible to keep track of, or, God forbid, diagram, which is why we decided to try. Here’s a handy (or baffling) guide to what’s happening right now.
More From SPIN’s December 2011 Issue:
• Live from the New Underground: SPIN Celebrates Hip-Hop’s DIY Moment
• G-Side Launch a Hardscrabble, Regular-Dude Revolution
• Odd Future: The New Underground’s Loud Family Goes on the Road